As one of the students of YIUS, I am very glad that I have the chance to experience a new chapter in life not alone but with four other friends from YIUS. Coming to Perth with a group has helped me tremendously. Not only are we able to help each other out with our studies, it's also like bringing a part of home with us.

Orientation day was amazing. I have to say, it was just like in the movies. The teachers and staff of CIC explained to us and gave us the outline of what we were going to face this semester. We were appointed mentors that explained to us how to go around the huge campus and showed us how to use the many facilities that CIC has. We were given a tour around the campus and had to choose our schedules and everything electronically. We were given maps, guide books, schedules and booklists to help us around the university. After attending classes for one week, I realized that we had to take responsibility for our studies and do everything ourselves. We had to go on to the student portal, where all the lecture notes and questions and exercises are written. Teachers and staff messaged us through the e-mail. Basically, they did all this so that whenever we go into a lecture we know exactly what the teachers are going to talk about and how we have to prepare. Personally, I am thankful for the fact that I attended CIC first because of the way we are being taught. The lecture rooms normally have a maximum of 45 students. This means that we get a lot of attention from our teachers, making the transition from high school to university easy for us.

On the campus, one can find everything from banks to restaurants to gardens. I was surprised to see that it really was like in the photos. Students having fun, laying down on the grass, some making documentaries, engineering students practically measuring things, it is quite a view. Curtin also has a very big bus station where practically, busses from all areas come.

Accommodation in Perth is quite hard to find. We all were very fortunate to be able to stay about 10 minutes walk from the campus. It's even better because most of the houses are rented out to students so, it is a generally safe environment. I have to live with 5 other housemates, making my stay very interesting. Each person comes from a different country so, we are still learning about each other's cultures.

What has YIUS done for me? It has taught me all the basics. That is why I am now able to understand and know the technique of how to listen to what the teachers are teaching, know a little about the Australian culture and fit in, I would say. There are some students in my class who are having a hard time keeping up with what the teachers are teaching, not necessarily because they are weak in English but because they were not taught the same basics. So, YIUS students have a great advantage.

To all the future students that are planning on coming to Perth, some personal tips. First and foremost, learn how to read the map. Everyone uses maps here and if U can't read one, there's a very big chance of U getting lost. If U plan on working part time apply for a student working visa or U could actually apply for it when U get to Perth. For those who know how to drive, notify your licenses. They allow students to drive with that license for one year, or U could opt for international license. Keep in mind though that in Australia they drive on the opposite side. Although some may not be planning on buying cars, it is very convenient to have one. Since WA is a large place, getting to one place to another will be much more convenient if U have your own car and taking the bus after buying groceries is not as easy as one might think. Car prices here are affordable as well. To those who don't know how to cook, there are lots of instant meals here but it is very costly, so, learning to cook will be better. Those who are planning on coming in June, it's gonna be cold here. It's already about 8 degrees and it's only the start of winter. Raincoats and umbrellas would be very handy. A laptop would also be very useful for your studies. Concerning what to bring, fully furnished houses usually only provide a room with a bed, a desk and a chair. So, a set of sheets and pillow cases would be a must, but if U can carry more, u can bring more. If you are coming alone, U should come at least one week in advance to settle down. With bank accounts having to be opened and arranging your room and preparing for school, it will be good for U to come early. Australia is known for having thieves and many break in. That does depend on which suburb U stay in. The university also gives U some articles and pointers about how to avoid and prevent those things from happening, but it would be good for U if U read some articles that are given about these things.

Advice from me. Always look confident, don't carry loads of stuff when walking, never leave your belongings unattended and don't walk alone at night. And keys, try to find the right key to open the door before U get there. Other than that, you will find it very easy to go around Perth. The system here is made in a way that is convenient for everyone. Even if U get lost, u can pick up the phone and ask for help.

To all the teachers and staff at YIUS,, Thank u very much for teaching us not only academic work but also a lot about life. Thank U for sharing with us your wisdom and taking care of us and watching us every step of the way. Thank U for remembering us even though we are no longer there and thank U for continuing to support us. The transition from child to youth has been made much easier because of all that U have taught us and because of the love that U have given us. On behalf of all 5 of us that are here in Perth, I'd like to Thanks each and every one from YIUS. We all are doing well here and we do miss U a lot. To all those who are coming here, we'll be waiting......

All the Best and a Big God Bless,

Krystal